Birth Control Behavioral Methods Introduction

The practice of birth control or preventing pregnancy is as old as human existence. For centuries, humans have relied upon their imagination to avoid pregnancy. With no method of birth control during sexual intercourse, a woman of childbearing age with normal fertility has an 85% chance of becoming pregnant in 1 year.

Behavioral methods that don’t use hormones such as birth control pills or mechanical devices such as condoms are in use throughout the world, especially in underdeveloped nations. They often have high failure rates, meaning they don’t work effectively and women become pregnant.

Continuous Abstinence

Continuous abstinence is completely refraining from sexual intercourse. There are no hormonal side effects, and abstinence is endorsed by many religious groups.

It is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, and it also prevents sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women who are abstinent until their 20s and have few partners are less likely to get STDs, become infertile, or develop cervical cancer. Abstinence costs nothing.

Abstinence may be difficult for some couples to maintain. It is important to discuss this decision with your partner before sexual situations arise.